The Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport debuted its first full-body Advanced Imaging Technology scanning machine on Monday, and the new technology is now the primary screening device in the terminal.

The state-of-the-art technology uses millimeter waves to screen passengers for metallic and nonmetallic threats, including weapons and explosives, which can be concealed under clothing and unnoticed without physical contact. There are approximately 800 machines at 200 airports nationwide, including Elmira Corning Regional Airport. The Greater Binghamton Airport does not feature the new technology.

The machine is simple to operate. A passenger enters the circular machine and a Transportation Security Administration officer hits a button on a monitor to indicate a female or male passenger. The lens quickly scans the entire body using automated target recognition software and then sends the results to the monitor. If no threats are found, a green screen with the word "clear" appears.

If threats are found during the scan, a generic image of either a male or female body will appear on the screen with bright yellow boxes indicating the questionable areas. The TSA officer uses the information to pat down the passenger or check the areas of concern.

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When the Advanced Imaging Technology machine picks up something in the scan, a front and back image of the person is shown, with the areas of concern indicated on the screen.(Photo: Matt Weinstein / staff photo)

"Many passengers are concerned with privacy when entering these machines, but the only image that shows is a generic cookie-cutter image of a male or female body; the same image used for all passengers," said Lisa Farbstein of the Office of Public Affairs for the TSA. "The machine does not register height, size or any other dimensions of the body. The only thing we can see is what is displayed on the screen."

Imaging technology screening is safe for all travelers and the technology meets all known national and international health and safety standards, according to the TSA. The energy emitted by millimeter wave technology is 1,000 times less than international limits and guidelines. Most passengers have the opportunity to decline AIT screening in favor of physical screening. However, some passengers will not be able to opt out of AIT screening if the boarding pass indicated the person has been selected for enhanced screening.